Power Converter Inductance Determination via Switching Cycle Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters rely on manufacturer-provided inductance values, which can be inaccurate due to parasitic components, leading to increased voltage drops and reduced power output at higher switching frequencies, especially with wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the effective inductance of a power converter using a controller that calculates inductance based on primary voltage, switch turn ON and OFF times, and current values, allowing for adjustment of switching times to optimize power output and health monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the switching frequency is increased to reduce the size of magnetic components, then the size of magnetic components is reduced, but parasitic elements become more dominant resulting in higher voltage drop and lower power output
Solution Approach 1:
The controller measures the actual inductance by monitoring current and voltage during switching cycles, then uses this feedback to adjust switching times and calculate effective inductance, compensating for parasitic effects that increase with switching frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines inductance parameters by measuring current rise and fall times during switching cycles, calculating effective inductance that accounts for frequency-dependent parasitic effects, and adjusts switching parameters based on these measured values
2Device complexity
If manufacturer-provided inductance values are used for power output determination, then the design is simplified, but the inductance values are inaccurate due to parasitic components leading to reduced power output
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically measures the effective inductance of the power converter system itself by monitoring current and voltage during normal switching operation, eliminating the need to rely on manufacturer-provided values and accounting for all parasitic components in the actual system
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current rise and fall times and voltage levels during switching cycles, uses this feedback to calculate effective inductance, and adjusts switching parameters to optimize power output based on actual measured values rather than theoretical manufacturer specifications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately determines effective inductance, reducing switching losses and maintaining power output by accounting for parasitic components, and provides a health indicator for the power converter.
Implementation Method 1
The primary and secondary sides of the power converter are magnetically coupled to each other via use of one or more magnetic components. In one example, the magnetic components may be a primary winding and a secondary winding of a transformer.
Implementation Method 2
These solid state switches are used to rapidly and/or intermittently interrupt or commutate an input current from the power source so as to effectuate conversion of the input current to an output current having different amplitudes and/or frequencies at the one or more electric loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a power converter including a primary bridge unit to receive a primary voltage from a voltage source, the primary bridge unit includes a first plurality of electronic switches, and each of the first plurality of electronics switches has a turn ON time and a turn OFF time. Further, the power converter includes a transformer including a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding is coupled to the first plurality of electronic switches. Also, the power converter includes a secondary bridge unit including a second plurality of electronic switches coupled to the secondary winding. Additionally, the system includes a controller to determine an inductance of the power converter based on the primary voltage, the turn ON time of the first plurality of electronic switches, a switching cycle time of the power converter, and one of an average current and a peak current in the power converter.